we expect to reconsidering the cloture vote on the hagel nomination to be secretary of defense tomorrow. we expect to consider the coming of knack including and the sequestration legislation by the end of this week. mr. president, the senate has a great deal to accomplish. including the long delayed confirmation of former senator chuck haigle to lead the defense department. this week the senate will consider two plans to avoid the across-the-board cuts. our economy the foundation or growth, congress must replace these cuts, the so-called sequester with a balanced approach to deficit reduction. democrats would temporarily replace this harsh austerity with a combination of smart spending reductions and measures that close corporate tax loopholes and end wasteful subsidies and ask the wealthiest americans to pay a little bit more. and would avoid harmful cuts to hurt american families, harm military readiness and hinder our economic recovery. families and businesses in every state in the nation in red states and blue states are at risk because of haphazard cuts in the presiding officer's h